Movable bulkhead for vehicles



March-2 1943.

E. A. swEELEY ETAL 2,312,939

MOVABLE BULKHEAD FOR VEHIC'LES l Filed Feb. '17, 1942 I 4 Sheets-Sheet l ,7' 54Ctg Q l E Gttorneg March `2 1943. E. A. swEELl-:Y ETAL 2,312,939A

y `MOVABLE `BULKHEAD FOR VEHICLES z y Filed Feb. 17, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 fuif March 2 1943. E. A. swEELl-:Y ETAL MOVABLE BULKHEAD FOR VEHICLES Filed Feb. 17. 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 EdwardASweeIey' "d 7701772022 TA nd (91d. orma/z Zncensozz Cttonteg .my my@ w 5 S 1 .r A 1 w ,d Y 9 3 E. A. swEELEY ETAL MOVABLE BULKHEAD FOR VEHICLES Filed Feb. 17, 1942 March .2' 1943.

...Patented Mar; 2,1943

-MovanLE Burman ron vEmcLEs p A. Sweeley, Alexandria, Va., and Norma 'l'. Anderson, Washingto applicati@ retrimy 17, 1942, serial' 10,431,306

' 15 claims. (ci. csa-19) This invention relates to improvements in facilities forrailway or other vehicles. While :the invention has particular'application to facilities for railway cars, it is also ,applicable to cars,

trucks, and ships generally, which require or use such facilities for similar purposes.

In its broadest aspect, the invention relates to facilities for use in the interior of a vehicle having a merchandise chamber, the facilities being adapted for arrangement to provide an ice receiving bunker adjacent .the merchandisel chamber when refrigeration of 'the merchandise in the chamber is desired. --According to a preferred embodimentiofthis invention, the facilities prof viding the ice bunker are adapted for rearrangement into compact form whereby the size of the The ice bunker facilities may be arranged in com- -pact form when the vehicle shipment does not require the refrigeration service of an ice bunker,

- or when increased merchandise-storage space is desired, or when the lvehicle is to be ventilated,

' merchandise chamber is substantially increased. t

instead of refrigerated by ice, during its travel.

.A vehicle sozequipped has important advantages.

It provides efiicient ice refrigeration when such is required. It also permits full car loading when the ice bunker is not in use and thereby reduces the shippers freight per package handled.

The ice bunker facilities of thisA invention include an adjustable bulkhead which may serve u as partitioning means between the vehicle merchandisevlchamber and the vehicle ice bunker space'and which may be adjusted so that the ice bunker space becomes a continuation of the merchandise chamber and thereby increases the size of the lading space of the vehicle. lWhen thef bulkhead is not used as a partitioning means, it may be placed adjacent an inner wall of the vehicle and serve as a wall of the enlarged l.merchandise chamber.

It is an object of this invention tolprovide improved and novel facilities for vehicles whereby the facilities may be readily arranged to provide the vehicle with an ice bunker for holding ice toA refrigerate the vehicle'merchandise chamber'and may be readily rearrangedincompact form to increase the lading capacity of the Vehicle.

A further object is to provide a novel and sturdy form of reinforcement for the bulkhead of avehicle. Y

Stillanother object is to provide an adjustable bulkhead for a vehicle-and novel means for reinforcing the bulkhead'when used as a partition in wall of the enlarged vehicle merchandise chamber.

A still further object is'to provide a vehiclewithvnovel means which are adapted to form the sidewalls of anice bunker and to provide support for-ice grates and which may be adjusted to an out-of-the-way protected position when not in use.

Still another ,object is to provide a novel and improved ice supporting structure for an ice bunkerof a vehicle, the bunker being of the type `to be rearranged in compact form when the'ice bunker space is required for the loading of merchandise. f

Another object is to. provide van adjustable bulk-" head for the purpose of` adjusting the length of Athe loading compartment of a vehicle, to suit the space required for compact loading of merchandise and tp eliminate bracing to take up slack in the load', which bracing is generally supplied by andinstalled by the shipper at his expense.

' A still further object is to provide novel bunker side walls, which are adapted for use as side walls of'an ice bunker when used for full ice refrigeration. part-stage icing, or reduced icing, and which, when not -in use, maybe folded into a position where they are protected from damage by movement or shifting of cargo.

A further object-,ds to provide a vehicle 'with a i bulkhead which is adjustable to a retracted position adjacent a vehicle end wall and also to an c. extended-position spaced from the vehicle end wall -for serving as a partition, andlmeans for reinforcing the bulkhead from the vehicle end wall in either of its adjusted positions.

A further object is to provide a novel and eilicient form of water and cinder deiiector for the hatchway of a vehicle which is adapted for full the vehicle and when adjusted to permit full load-A ing of the vehicle with the bulkhead serving as a loading and adapted for conversion to a refrigeration vehicle with its interior divided into ice chamber space and lading space.

Another object is to provide a vehicle with a novel hatch closure orwater and cinder shield or defiector and novel means forfoperating the closure when a bulkhead in the vehicle is adjusted to change the loading capacity of the vehicle.

A further object is to improve, in general, the

ice bunker and bulkheadvfacilities lof vehicles adapted for theshipment of merchandise. According to this invention, suchf facilities are of relatively simple construction which will serve its intended purpOse for extended periods of use withoutneed for repair and which permit ready 'conversion of the vehicle for use as an ice bunker` refrigerator vehicle or as a full load carrier.

" ment of this invention.

Referring noun tothe accompanying drawin'gs, Figure 1 is a transverse sectional view of a railway car provided with an embodiment of this invention and shows an adjustable bulkhead in position to serve as a partition between an ice bunker space and the car lading space. Figure 1 is a viewv taken on line I-I of Figure 3.

Figure 2 is a top plan view taken on line 2-2 of Figure 1 and shows the interior of an ice bunker embodying this invention. For purposes of illustration, Figure 2 omits the ice grate sections of Figure 3.

Figures 3 and 4 are views taken on line 3-3 of Figure 1, Figure 3 illustrating the ice bunker arranged to receive ice, and Figure 4 illustrating one stage in the process of rearranging the ice bunker to provide for full car loading.

Figure 5 is a view taken on the same line as Figures 3 and 4, Figure 5 illustrating the ice bunker folded or collapsed to provide for full car loading. .5 J

Figure 6 is a view taken on line Ii-3 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a detail view in perspective of the 'ice grate supporting structure of Figure, the

ice grate sections andthe bulkhead being omitted infFigure '1 for purposes of illustration.

Figure 8 is a detail view in perspective of one of the pivotally supported strut members show in Figures 2 to 7 inclusive.

Figure 9 is a detail view of the strut and bulkhead connection shown in Figure 3.

Figure 10 is a detail view in perspective of the latch device for the bunker side walls shown in I Figures 2 and 6, for example.

Figure 11 is an enlarged detail viewof the vwater and cinder shield or deflector shown in support shown in Figure 1.

In the accompanying drawingssan ice bunker structure is provided at one end of a railway car. It will be understood that this illustrated bunker structure may. if desired, be duplicated at the other end of the car.

The illustrated car may have conventional features, such as the usual main floor I, car end wall 2, car side walls 3, 4, car'roof5, `hatchways 5, and a lading space or merchandise^ chamber 1. AThe car walls 2, 3 and.4 may be of any suitable construction. These walls should be lof stout cor1= struction and may have an outer shell of metal for added strength and reinforcement. The lading (not shown) in the chamber '1 may be supported on the usual false floor or floor racks 8 which rest on the main car floor I. The end of the car has a drip pan 9`positioned at a lower level than the top of the car main floor I of the lading space 41.

A series ofv posts Il are secured to thecar inner end wall and support a screen |2 in spaced relation to the car inner end wallgto provide air circulating passages I3 (see Figure 2). w

In a preferred embodiment of this invention,

/ the car is provided with an adjustable bulkhead I5 which extendstransversely of the car-*from lcar side wall 3 to car side wall 4 and also from a level adjacent the level of the floor racks 8 to adjacent the car ceiling. This bulkhead I5 has a series of vertically extending posts, each preferably including an I beam' I3 as a'reinforcement. 'Ihe bulkhead I5 (see Figures 3, 5) also includes a screen I1 and vertically extending aircirculating passages I 8. Air may also circulate through the top of the bulkhead I5 by way of screen |1, opening I9 and screen 20. The top frame member of the bulkhead I5 is formed by a reinforced channel shaped beam 2|.

The bulkhead is supported by rollers for sliding adjustment to either the position of Figure 3 or the position of Figure 5 and is locked or secured in its adjusted positions. According to the illustrated form of this invention, the bulkhead is provided l`with two upper and two lower rollers 22 (Figure 1) which rest and roll in tracks or guides 23. These tracks or guides 23' are.set in recesses in the car inner side walls and preferably do not extend -into the lading space 1 where projections might interfere with car loading. Each track 23 may be provided with 'a side flange to retain the corresponding roller 22 in proper position in the track and with ,upturned end flanges v tion by locking means such as those shown in the drawings. The locking means maycomprise 4 sets of nut and bolt dconnections (Figure 1). As these sets are all of the same construction, only one set need bel described. A reinforced plate25 is set in a car inner side wall and carries two or more threaded elements or nuts 26 (Figure 3). A threaded .bolt 21 is carried by the bulkhead I5 and is adapted to be projected through a selected and suitable opening lin the plate 25 for threadedl engagement with a nut 28. The plate 25, its openings,` and the nuts 28 are so arranged that the corresponding bolt 21 may have engagement with a nut 2G when the bulkhead is in either the position ofl Figure 3 or the position of Figure 5. Thus in either adjusted position, the bulkhead 5 is supported from the car side walls-by means of four rollers 22 and four lts 21. Each bolt 21 may be operated throug a corresponding handhole 28 in the bulkhead as shown in Figure l.

Each of, the bolts 21 may be slidably and ro- -Opening 30 may be covered by a closure of canvas 3| to prevent accidental movement0 of thel l bolt into the opening 30.

secured in place'` at its top edge and lifted when Closure 3| may be bolt 21 is to be removed from its housing 32.

' In either of its adjusted, positions, the bulkhead|5 is :braced by means of strut members These strut members 35 are provided in desired number and arranged in desired manner. As a preferred example, the drawings show four of the strut members 35, two being arranged at a lower level than the other two. All four strut members 35 are illustrated as adjacent the car center midway of the car side walls 3 and 4. As the strut members 35 are of similar construction and are similarly supported, a description of only one strutmember 35 and partment at the end of the car.

partition, the bulkhead I is not'only supported members 35 (Figure 3).

its support need be provided. A strut memberv e 35 may be formed of Ya section ofen I-beam to provide strength.'(see Figure 8). Atone end, the strut member 35 is pivotally supported from the car end wa 2. This end of the strut meinber 35 carries a pin 36 which is journaled in a bracket or pocket comprised of .two plates 31 which are boltedor otherwise secured to opposite sides of an end wall post II and which are connected adjacent their lower edges by a bridging-piece 34. The strut member35 may :be placed in either the horizontal position of Figure 3 or swung on its pivotal support (36,31) to the upright position of Figure 5. Each strut member 35 is also provided with projections or abutments 38 which may be pipe sections welded at one end to a flange of the strut member 35 and having a flanged head at the other end for a purpose to be described.

'lhelouter end of the strut member 35 is prefera ly hook-shaped (Figures 8 vand 9). An in- A of Figure 5.

tegral extension of the web of the strut I-beam .e

may be shaped to form a hook 39. A separate plate may be welded at its inner end to the web of the strut I-beam and have its outer end formed to provide a second hok 40 similar to the hook 39. The hooks 39 and 4I) are prefer- -ably spaced apart a distance corresponding to the thickness of the web of the I-beam I6 (Figure 9) When the bulkhead I5 is adjusted to 'its position of Figure 3, it serves as a partition between I wall screen I2 (Figure 6) when full .car loading.

the'lading space 1 and the ice receiving com- In its use as a by the four rollers 22 and the four bolts 21 (Figure l), but is also reinforced by the strut forcement, each of the strut members is swung to its horizontal position', in which its hooks 39 and 49 extend through suitably shaped the car end wall 2 and the bulkhead I5, where- :by the car end wall 2 serves to brace the bulkhead I5. The bulkhead I5 is, therefore, particularly well adapted to resist the thrust of the lading or the ice loadV in the ice" compartment as it shifts during car movements or car switching operations.

When the bulkhead I5 is positioned as in Figure 5 to provide for full car loading', the strut members 35 are arranged in upright position as in Figure 5. Each strut member 35 is retained in upright position by a loop ,member 43 which is secured to the corresponding" car end wall post II and which engages the strut hooks 3S and 40- (see Figures 5, 6 and 8). The bulkhead I5 now is in position to bear against the flanged heads of abutments 38 in event the bulkhead I5 re-- ceivesthe thrust of the lading in the merchandise compartment or chamber during car move- In the adthis thrust is transmitted through the abutments 38, the' struts 35 and the corresponding car end wall posts II and to the car end wall 2. In this way, the structure of the car end w'all 2 as well To provide this rein-l as the struts 35 and the abutments 38 serve to Y reinforce the bulkhead I5 when in theposition lAccording to the illustrated embodiment of this invention, the car is also providedy with side wall *sections 46, 41. These sections 46 and 41 form the opposite side walls of an ice bunker for the car when the car is to b-used for ice refrigerating purposes. The other two walls of the 4ice bunker are. formed by the car end wall posts II and screen I2 and the bulkhead I5 (see Figure 2). As the construction, function, and support of the two bunker side walls 46, 41 is the same, a description of only one bunker side wail is required. The bunker side wall 46, for example, comprises a reinforcedframe which is provided on one side with screening. 5I. The bunker side wall 46 is pivotally secured as by means of hinges 52a to the adjacent car end wall corner post I I, so that it (46) may be swung to a position along car side wall 3 (as in Figure -2 when the ice bunkeris to be formed for. re-

ceivi'ng ice, or to a position along the car end is desired.- Each bunker sidewall (46, 41) is secured in the full line position of Figure 2 by means of a pivotally mounted latch 52 (s ee Figures 4 and i0) which 'engages in arecess 53 cut in the corresponding I-beam I6.A of the bulkhead I5. Fastening devices are also provided for retaining the bunker side walls 46 and 41 in place' when folded against the car end wall screen I2. Each fastening device may comprise a hook and pin connection 54 as shown in Figures 2 and 6. the hook being pivotally connected to the car end wall structure and the pin connected'to the bunker side wall framing. The bunker side walls 46 and 41 may also be retained in the position of Figure 6 by means lof stop plates 54a secured to the lower 'two strut members 35 as shown in Figures 6 and '7. These stop plates 54a assume bunker side wall retaining position with the the lower strut members 35 arranged in the upright position, the strut members 35 being placed in upright position after the bunker side walls 46 and 41 are folded to the position along the car end'wall screen I2. These stop plates 54a serve to brace the bunker-'side walls 46 and 41 when placed along the car end wall screen I2, so that the bunker side Walls 46 and 41 do not depend on only the hook and pin connections 54 to take the severe shocks incident to car switching operations. I

When the sections 46 and 41 are in use as ice bunker side Walls, they are also adapted to provide support for an ice grate structure. For such purpose, each bunker side wall (46, 41) is providediwith upper andl lower plate-like membersl 55 and 56. Each member (55 and o56) has position, the ice 'bunker side walls-,46 andl41 are supported adjacent the car end wall by means of their hinges` 52aand adjacent the bulkhead I5 by means of rests or seats 59. Eachend I -beam I6 of the bulkhead I5 is provided with one of the rests or seats 59 to receive and support the side wall (46, 41).

(46, 41) is swung from the position of Figure 6y adjacent lower corner of the adjacent bunker` As each bunker side wall to the position of` (for example) Figure 4, the

outer end of its lower or bottom edge slides onto i the corresponding rest or seat -59 and then is supported thereby as may be seen in Figure 4.

Ice, when introduced into A'che ice bunker of Figure 3l is supported on a grate structure which -may comprise a series of separate grate sections 6| and two I-beams 62, 63. The ice grate sections 6I may, if desired, be four 'in num er.

'1) and to have their'opposite endsreceived in the seats or pockets 1, 58 of the bunker sidewall members 56. At each end-oi each I-beam (62,

63), its lower ange is provided with an angle piece 64 (Figure '1) toV abut the adjacent beam pocket (51, 58) and prevent endwise movement of the I-beam (62, 63). The I-beam 62 is provided with clips' 65 (see bFigure '7) for engaging the edges of the grate sections 6| facing the'car end wall an'd preventing shifting of the grate sections 6|.toward rthe car end Wall 2. 'I'hese clips A65 may be welded or otherwise secured to the beam 62.. These clips 65 may be provided in such number and arrangement that each ice grate section 6 I is engaged by twoof the clips 65.

In event part-stage icing of the ice bunker` is desirable, the I-beams 62, 63 are placed on the upper two strut members 35 with the I-beam ends resting in the pockets 51 58 of the bunker side wail plates 55. The ice grate sections 6| are then placed on the I-beams 62, 63.

, It will thus be noted provision is made for supporting the I-beams 62, 63 and` ice grate sections '6I in eithera lowered position for fll vbunker members 35. The str ut members 35, therefore, not only provide reinforcementfor the bulkhead secured to the car structure to provide with ice grate sections 6| a ush'load support from car side wall to car'side wall. In this alternative construction, the narrow sections of ice grating wouldalso serve as abutments for the adjacent v ice grate sections 6|.

Shifting of the ice grate sections 6| toward end Ewall 2 of the car, when the sections 6I are in position to support lading (Figure 5),-is prevented by the clips 65 carried `by the I-beam 62. Endwise shifting of the I-beams 62, 63 is prevented by engagement of their angle sections 64 the space .between the car end wall 2 and the a I5, but also provide support for the ice grate Y sections 6I and their I-beams 62, 63.

- When the car is converted for full car loading,

the I-beams 62, 63 a're placed as shown in Figures 5 and 6 so that they may support the. ice grate sections 6| at the same level asthefioor racks8. The ice grate sections 6| will now serve as a continuation of thetloor racks 8 and lading may be placed in the car for substantially its entire length. For the purpose of full car loading, the

,these seats 1I are similarly positioned and. se`

cured at the opposite side ofthe ice bunker space.

aEach seat or pocket 1| is spaced from the drip The I-beam legs 13 mayF pan 8 by a block 14. be welded` to the respective I-beam (62,'63) and rest on the drip pan 3 when the ends o1 the I-beams 62, 63 are disposed in theirrespective pockets 1|. The legs 13 are so positioned on their respective I-beams (62, 63)\tha t when resting on the drip pan 8, they (13) are directly over and receive support from car iioor beams 16 (see Figure 6).

with the r-beams 62, positioned as in Figvure 6, the upper edges of the pockets 1| extend above the upper I-beam (62, 63) flanges and pro.

vide abutments for the adjacent ice grate sections 6| to prevent their shifting transversely of the car. As an alternative construction, the

upper `edges of the pockets 1I may be at a level with the bottom surfaces of the ice grate sections 6|, and narrow'sections oi ice grating (not shown) may be welded to the pockets 1| andV with the adjacent edges of the pockets 1|.

When the ice grate sections 6| are arranged as a continuation of the floorv racks 8 as in Figbulkhead I5 with the bulkhead positioned as in Figure 3 to form a partition. 'I'he hatchways' 6 are `then in position .ior the introduction oi iceinto the ice bunker. When the bulkhead I5 is adjusted tol the4 position of Figurey 5 for iull car loading, it (bulkhead I5) assumes a position below the hatchways 6 and between the center line of each hatchway y6 and its sideadjacent the carend wall 2. -In order to avoid cinders and water falling through the hatchways 6 .and onto the lading and damaging same when the bulkhead I5 is @arranged as in Figure 5, each hatchway 6 is provided `with a shield or deector" 8| which is slidable in a pair of supporting tracks or guides 82. As the shields 8| are ofthe same construction and are similarly mounted and operated,` a,desc ription of one of the shields 8| will be sufcient here. The shield 8| is imperforate and has its side marginal portions similarly shaped (Figure 12) to provide an upstandingl portion 63, a laterally extending portion 84,

and a depending flange 85. Each track or guide l 82 has a anged portion 86 secured to the car ceiling, a depending portion 61, a laterally extending portion 88, and an upstanding ilange 88. Each track 82 and the adjacent shield edge shaped sections which are arranged in sliding', intertting relation to prothus have channel vide for shifting of the shield 8| while preventing" Water and cinders from passing over the sides of the shield or deiiector 8| and onto the merchandise in the lading space. The rearward edge (Figure 11): of the shieldl 8| is formedfby anupstanding ilange 8| to which is secured a reinforcing angle bar 92. A length -of weatherstripping 93 is secured between the flange 9| and the bar 92 and extends upwardly to engage thecar ceiling for preventing water and cinders from passing over the rearward edge of the shield 8| and onto the lading. The section of theshield 8| between its-channelshaped side edges lis 'inciined from its rearwardl flange 9| to its opposite edge to provide drainage toward the car end. Th'e shield 8| is also provided with two spaced .depending ilanges 94, which extend transversely of the car and below the level of the top edge o f' the bulkhead I5. When the bulkhead I5 is moved from the position ofFigure 3 yto the Yposition of Figure 5, the top front edge/or the bulkhead I5 moves into engagement with the shield iiange 94 and then through this engage- 'ment shifts the shield 8| to a position under the hatchway 6. With the arrangement of Figure 5,

water andcinders falling through the hatchway 6 and 'onto the shield 8l are caught by the latter and discharged over the shield ange 94 and into the space between the car end wall 2 and the ice bunker |5, through which space the drainageA falls until it is collected in the drip pan 9. When the bulkhead I is returned to the position' of 5 stage icing is supportedby the upperstruts as and by the upper pockets 51, 56 of the bunker side Walls 45, 41.

In the event the car is to be ventilated through the hatchways 6, or full car loading is desired, the ice bunker may be rearranged as follows. The ice grate structure (6I, 62, 63) is removed from the struts 35 and :fromthe pockets 51,v 59l and placed in the bottom of the bunker space as previouslyidescribed and as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The ice grate sections 6I are now flush with the ioor racks 6 andin position to support lading or merchandise. The strut members 35 are swung as illustrated in Figure 4 to the upas the partition between the ice bunker space .and the lading spac'e (Figure 3).

As an additional precaution against cinder and water entering the car lading space, a stop 96 (Figures 3 and 11) for the shield 8l may be secured adjacent the hatchway 6, -and between the tracks A92. The stop 96 may be an angle iron having one ilange depending and the other,V

flange-'- secured to'the car ceiling. A

The flange 95 may be an intermediate part of a sheet-like member 91 (Figure 12) extending across the car,'below the shield 8|, and at opposite sides of the shield 9|, the bottom edge of the member 91, including flange part 95, being just below the level o f the top edge of right position of Figures 5 and 6, in which they .are 4secured by loops 43. 'As the strut members 35 are swung upwardly. their hooked shaped ends are released fron their engagement with the bulkhead I5. The latches 52 are swung on their pivotal .supports to release the bunker side walls 46,A 41. which then may be swung or folded on their hinges .to positions along or against the car end wall screen I2, in which positions the bunker side walls 46, 41 may be retained by the bulkhead I5. The top edge of portions of the member=91 extending at opposite sides of the shield 8| may carry weatherstripping 98 (see u Figure 12).- The member 91 may have a bent portion 99 which is secured to the bottom of the shield 9| to hold member 91 and its ilange part 95 in place for movement with the shield 5I. When the bulkhead I5 is in the position 'o f Figure 3, .the iiange 95 closes the 'space betweenthe shield 8| and the top of the bulkhead I5 and the remainder of the member 91 closes the space between the car ceiling and bulkhead top and at opposite sides of the shield 8| Operation when fun bunker icing is' desired, the faculties are arranged -as Figure 3.-- The bulkhead I5 issupported and locked in extended position to the hook and pin connections 54 (see Figure 6j and the broken line position of 46 in Figure 2).-

In their folded positions, the struts l are disposedin the space between the bunker side walls 46 and," as shown in Figure 6. The bolts 21 securing the bulkhead I5 to the car vside walls 'I 3 and 4 vare retracted, and the bulkhead I54 is rolled on its rollers 22 fromthe extended position of Figures 3 and 4 to the retracted position of Figure 5, in which the bulkhead I5 is adjacent to the car end wall screen I2 and is braced ,by the projections or abutments 38 carried byv n the Aupright strut members 35'. The bulkhead I5 is locked in this retracted position by' securing the-bolts 21 to adjacent nuts 26 carried by the car sidewall plates 25. As'the bulkhead I5 .is shifted towardthe 'car end wall 2, the upper bulkhead portion shifts the shieldsv or deectors 8I from the position of Figure `3 to the position of Figure 5.

serve as a partition between the ice bunker space i and the lading space. The strut members 25 are hooked to the bulkhead I5which is thereby reinforced by the car end wall. The bulkhead I5 is supported from the car side walls l, 4 by means of the rollers 22 (Figure l) and is also secured to the car side walls 2, 3 by thel bolts 21 engaging corresponding nuts 26 of the side wall 'plates 25. The 'bunker side walls 46 and 41 are secured to the bulkhead I5 -by meansA` 0f latches 52 and space the side edges of the bulkhead I5 from the car end -wall 2. The ice grate structure (6I, 52, 65), is supported `by the lower struts -35 and by the lowerpockets 51 and 56 of the bunker side walls 46, 41. Each water and cinder ,shield or deilector' 8l isretracted to a position at one side of its hatchway 6. 'I 'he ice bunker may now be supplied with ice through the hatchways .61 When the bunker is supplied with ice, each hatchway 6- may be closed by any suitable closure (not shown) Y `In part-stage icing, the bunker arrangement k the 'same as that shown in' Figure 3, except that the ice grate 'structure (6I, |52,V 63.)*iny part- When the car is being ventilated and the ice bunker facilities are adjusted asl Shown in Figure ,5 and the hatchways 6' are open, the atmospheric air may enter through the open hatchways 6,' will b'e deflected .toward the car end wall 2 by the shields 9|, and may then enter thelading space along either` or both of two courses. The air may pm-through the openingy I9 in the top o f the bulkhead I5 and into' the top portion of the lading space 1. The airmay pass downwardly between the bulkhead I5 and the oar end wall 2, under theibottom edge of the bulkhead I5, `and then upwardly'through the -ice grate sections 6I and the door racks 6. Air also may leave the lading space 1 by-owing through the bulkhead opening I9.' then over' the shield 8| and out through the' hatchways 6, or it may leave through the end wall space Vand .the top bulkhead openingv I9.

The foregoing is to be understood as illustrative. since-this invention includes all modications and embodiments coming within the scope ofjthe appended claims. A

We claim:

' l 1. In a railway or other vehicle for transporting F merchandise having a main :door with a drip pan .at one end thereof and a false floor above'said mainv floor, the combination comprising va. removlable grating adapted to be positioned over said drip. pan to provideva continuation of said false floor, a bulkheadextending transversely of the zontally extended position.

6 vehicle interior and shiftable over said grating and from a position adjacent the corresponding ing merchandise, the combination comprising .al 'bulk-head extending, transversely o f the vehicle interior and shiftable relative to a vehicle inner end wall between retracted and extended positions, at least one member pivotally secured to said vehicle inner side wall and foldablerto' an Y out-of-the-way'position paralleling said vehicle inner end wall, one or more projections'on said -member and positioned to be engaged by said bulkhead withsaid member in said out-oi-theway position and with said bulkhead in retracted position, said member being adapted to beswung from said out-of-the-way position to a horizonbination comprising awaterand cinder shieldl said vehicle inner side walls said strut members in the horizontal position thereof being also' adapted to 'engage' said bulkhead with said bulkhead spacedA from said vehicle'inner end `wall by said bunker side walls and thereby provide reinforcement for -said bulkhead, said ystrut members in the upright position thereof being ,adapted to engage and brace said bulkhead with the bulkhead in a retracted position adjacent said 'Vehicle inner end wall and withthe bunker side walls arranged along the vehicle inner end wall and in parallell relation with said bulkhead. u

5. In a refrigerator -car or other vehicle having a hatchway through thevehicle roof and 'adja-v cent an inner end wall Aoi* the vehicle,v the comslidably supported under the vehicle ceiling, spaced ilanges secured to and depending from said shield, each of said flanges extending transversely of-I said vehicle, and a bulkhead extending trans- :verselyof the vehicle interior and shiftable toward and away from said vehicle inner end wall, said bulkhead'. having a portionthereof extending upwardly between-said shield anges, whereby the tally extended position to provide reinforcement between said vehicle inner endlwall and said vbulkhead with said bulkhead in said extended position, and an i'ce grate structure adapted to be removably placed kon and at least partially :supported by said member with said member in said hori-v 3. In a railway or other vehicle for transporting merchandise, the combination comprising v a shield.l to a position at one side of said hatchway bulkhead extending transversely of the vehicle in.-

terlor and shiftable toward and away from a vehicle inner end wall, a plurality of separate strut members, each independently and pivotally supported adjacent one end by said vehicle inner end wall and having adjacent the other end thereof a hook-shaped portion to engage said bulkhead with said bulkhead spaced from said vehicle inner end to provide an ice bunker compartment, each of said struts being adapted to be SWULB t0 an upright position against said vehicle innerend `wall, and means on and projecting from the underside of each of said struts for engaging and bracing said bulkhead with the struts in said-upright positions and with said bulkhead shifted to n position adjacent said vehicle inner endwall.

4. In a railway or other vehicle for transporting engagement of said bulkhead portion and one of -said iijanges effects movement of said shield to a position underlying said hatchway 'as said bulkhead is shifted toward said vehicle'inner end wall and the engagement of said bulkhead portion and the other of said flanges effects movement of said as said bulkhead is end wall. 6. In a. refrigerator car or other'vehicle having a hatchway through the car 4oof and adjacent an end wall of the-car, the' combination comprisshifted away from said inner ing tracks secured to the inner car ceiling, a water tion at one side of said hatchway, said shield hav'- and cinder shield of imperforate construction and slidably supported in said tracks for movement to a position underlying said hatchway-and to a posiing an upstanding portion extending. along'and adjacent the edge thereofremote -from said car end wall adapted to slidably engage the car l ceiling toprovide la water and cinder proofjoint,

' saicLshield being inclined from adjacent said upstanding edge and toward said car end wall, and

' nanges'depending fromsaid smekifor receiving merchandise, the combination comprising a bulkhead extending transversely .of the vehicle interior and adjustable toward and away from -a vehicle inner end wall; bunker side wallsadapted to ex-, tend along the vehicle inner side walls and to space said bulkhead relatively to said vehicle innei' end wall, said bunker side walls being adapted to be swungjtoa position along saidvehicle inner -end wall; upper and lower sets of s'trut members,` each of said members being independently mov- 'A ing merchandise, an ice bunker adapted for adable, being separately and pivotally connected to the vehicle inner end wall and being adapted to be swung between upright. and horizontal positions -with the bunker side walls in position along the vehicle inner 'end wall; amd an ice grate struc- .ture'including ice grate sections and supporting said ice grate structure being adapted to beremovablyplaoedoneither ofsaid setsotstrut members and'to bempportedby such strutmember set-and by`said bunkersidewal'ls with said strutmembersinthehorimtal posionthereof therebetween the top portion `of a bulkhead arranged in the vehicle for adjustment toward and away from said vehicle end wall.

7. A structure as recited in claim vwherein each track is of channel-shaped section and has interittin8. s1iding connection with a channelshaped side portion of the shield to provide a water and cinder proof Joint along the sides of the shieldsV 8. In' a railway or other vehicle for transportjustment to provide for substantially full loading oi' the vehicle, said ice bunker comprising bunkerside walls adapted to be positioned during non-use along an inner end wall lofsaid vehicle and during use along the :vehicle inner side walls, a bulkhead extending transversely' of the vehicle interior and shifts-ble toward and away from said inner end wall, upper and lower sets of members Veach adapt- .A ed for folding into an upright position adjacent saidinner endwall andadapted further fo'rposi` .tioning,during;use-ofsaidblmklersidewallfvrrithv saidbulkheadspooediromsaddinnerendwalhtof --extendfrom'saidbulkheadtosaid'endwalland serve as a strut-therebetween, an'icgi'ate 'and with said bunker side walls positioned alongt 7 5 lstructureadaptedtorestfonsaidlowersetarmeming on said upper set of members with said upper set in said strutposition to form an elevated ice support within the ice bunker, said ice grate struc.-

ture in each of said two positions on said sets 'of strut members being supportedintermediate the ends thereof by the corresponding 'set of strut members and adjacent 4the ends thereof by said bunkerl side walls, said ice grate structure being also removable kfrom said upper set of strut members and from the space between said inner end wall and said bulkhead.

9. In a railway or other vehicle for transporting merchandise having a main floor with a drip pan at one end thereof and a false iioor above said main oor, the combination comprising a removable grating adapted to be positioned over said drip pan to provide a continuation of said false fioor,.a bulkhead extending transversely of the vehicle interior'andshiftable over said grating and from a position adjacentthe corresponding vehicle inner end wall to a position adjacent said false oor, bunker side walls foldable during nonuse to positions along said vehicle inner end wall and for use to positions along the vehicle inner side walls, and movable members each adapted for positioning, during use of said bunker side walls with said bulkhead spaced from saidinner end wall, to extend from said bulkhead'to said endwall and serve as a strut therebetween, said grating, during use of said bulkhead and bunker side walls to form a bunker, being adapted Vfor` positioning to rest on said members in said strut position thereof and serve as an elevated support for ice in the bunker.

10. An ice bunker as recited in claim 9, wherein the grating includes grate sections and separate beams to provide a common support for said grate sections, and wherein said grating in the ice supporting position thereof is adapted to have said beams rest on the strut members with the ends ofjsaid beams supported by the bunker side walls.

11. In a railway or other vehicle for transporting merchandise, an ice bunker adapted for adjustment during non-use to provide for substancriv sitioned at a lower level within the ice bunker and on the lower set of said horizontal strut members and support ice in the ice vbunker andbeing further adapted to be removably positioned at a higher level within the ice bunker to rest on the' .upper set of'said horizontal strut members and support ice' in the ice bunker, said grate structure in each of said ice supporting positions having the beams -thereof resting on the corresponding set of horizontal strut members with the ends of the beams .resting on and supported by said bunker side walls.

12. A combination as recited in claim 1l, wherein the ice grate structure is removable fromthe space between the -vehicle inner end wall andthe bulkhead, and the strut members are individually adapted to fold into vertical position adjacent the vehicle inner end wall. y 13. In a railway or other vehicle for'transporting merchandise, thevehicle merchandise chamber having amain floor with a drip pan at one end thereof and a false floor over said main iioor.

and above the level of said drip pan, the combination comprising a bulkhead extending trans-v versely of said chamber and movable over said drip pan from an outer position adjacent said false floor to an inner position 4adjacent the corresponding end wall of said chamber, bunker side `walls adapted for positioning along the chamber side walls and to be folded to positions along said chamber end wall, a set of beams adapted to occupy a position in said drip pan with said bulkhead in said inner position -and being further adapted to be supported in a second and elevated position by said bunker side walls with said bulkhead in said outer position, and ice grate sections adapted to rest on said beams "in said drip pan position to form a continuation of said false ilnor.

tially full loading of the vehicle, said ice bunker l comprising bunker side walls adapted to be posil tioned along the vehicle inner side walls during use and to be folded to out-of-the-wa'y positions extending along a vehicle inner end'wall, a bulkhead extending transversely of the vehicle interior .and shiftable away from said vehicle inner end wall to an outer position to serve as a wall of the ice bunker and toward said vehicle end wall to a retracted or inner position, members pivotally secured to said' vehicle inner end wall to provide upper and'lower sets thereof, said members being positioned to pivot in planes intermediate the inner edges of said bunker side walls with said bunker side walls folded to extend along said end wall, the members of each of said -sets being adapt- 1 ed for positioning to serve as horizontal struts 'exand further adapted to rest on said beams in the elevated position thereof to provide an ice support.

14. A combination as recited in claim 13, wherein foldable members are arranged between the chamber end wall and the bulkhead and are adaptedvfor positioning to serve as struts extending from the chamber end wall to the bulkhead with the-'bulkhead in the outer position thereof, said members in said strut position being adapted to support the beamsintermediate the ends thereof with the beamsin the. elevated position.

l5. In a railway orother vehicle for transporting merchandise, an ice bunker comprising end and side walls, upper and lower lsets of strut members extending between and connected to said'end walls, andan ice gratestructure resting on one of said sets of strut members and adapted for removal therefrom and for positioning on the other of s aid sets of members, 'said lice-bunker being adapted to be collapsed by removal 0f saidz ice grate structure from the ice bunker space, by folding said side walls to spaced positions in planar relation along one of said end`walls, by folding said strut membersinto positions within thespace Abetween said folded side walls, and by `adjusting one of said end walls into a collapsed 'position adjacent the other of said end walls, each of said members' in the folded positionthereof forming a strut from one to the other of s'aid end walls in the collapsed position thereof.

EDWARD A. SWEELEY.

NORMAN T. ANDERSON. 

